Chapter 4

The tear-sized rain had become a downpour.

Water rushed down from the mountain, carrying mud and debris.

Salvatore reacted fast. He carried Elena and ran to the car.

The men who'd been smashing the house dropped their tools and rushed to the driver's seats. The convoy fled one by one.

I pulled my mother off the ground and ran toward the cars. Every door was locked.

Only Salvatore's car, because he was slow carrying Elena, was still open.

I lunged and grabbed the door as it was closing. "Salvatore! Open the door! There's still time to let my parents in!"

A dull thud.

My four fingers shattered.

Salvatore slammed the door with all his strength. My fingers were crushed, flesh and blood mangled.

Pain shot from my fingertips, nearly swallowing me.

"Salvatore, open the door, I'm begging you! There's really time! I know the safest route!"

"My father said something wrong, I apologize! I'll kneel to Elena, okay? There's really time, I'm begging you..."

He didn't let me finish. He kicked my crushed hand.

"Let go! If something happens to Elena, I'll make your whole family pay!"

My hand had no feeling left. Even being kicked hard, I felt nothing but pain.

The door slammed shut. The car didn't stop, speeding forward.

I turned. The mud was about to surge over the ruined back wall.

With my last hope, I pulled out my phone and dialed.

"Marco, save me, please. I'll remarry."

Eight words. A car appeared in eight seconds.

It had been at the tail of the wedding convoy all along. I met those familiar eyes.

"Seeing off the bride, stealing the bride—I was ready for both, Victoria. I've liked you for years. Just waiting for your word."

"Marco, marry me. I'll marry you."

This time, I didn't refuse.

I grabbed him like a lifeline. I didn't plan to let go for the rest of my life.

Marco carried me and brought my parents into the car.

I sent one last message and blocked Salvatore everywhere.

"Salvatore, I've remarried. We have no future."